Non-Licensure: Instructional Coaching and Teacher Leadership

The Instructional Leadership (Non-Licensure) concentration is designed around a curriculum that is focused on the preparation of instructional coaches and teacher leadership positions. The concentration of coursework will utilize best practices for math and language literacy interventions to help current teachers bring evidence-based practices into the 21st century classroom. In addition, an emphasis will be placed on understanding student and teacher assessment data as it relates to planning interventions for student improvement. Courses focus on the power of reflective practice, building leadership skills, problem-based coaching models, and strategies to build a strong professional learning community. The program is also open to any licensed teacher interested in further professional development in a skill set required for professional advancement. All candidate applicants must hold a current Teacher's License.

Admission Criteria

• Three dispositions rating forms completed by district-level administrator or educator,

• Employment by a TN school district (County/district must have partnership agreement on file with the School of Education & Public Service at Cumberland University),

• A current résumé

• Demonstration of effective oral and written communications skills,

• Successful completion of an interview conducted by a program admission committee that includes both K-12 instructional leaders and higher education faculty that can determine if the candidate has:

  • Implemented innovative learning strategies in their classrooms;

  • Shown good communications, human relations, and organizational skills;

  • Used student data and work samples to make instructional decisions; and

  • Demonstrated high ethical standards.

Total Credit Hours: 30